Do you like your bags to remain pristine?

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flyvetjo

flyvetjo

Jo
O.G.
Jan 24, 2007
9,805
14
#1
Or do you prefer them once they are a bit beaten up and unique to you? Would you consider customising an expensive designer bag with stickers etc?
I find it really hard to wear a new bag and i find the first flaws/ scratches agonising but i love seeing other peoples obviously used and loved bags!!! :p
 
#2
No.
I use bags, rather than store them on wardrobe shelves as leather demigods.
I treat them with waterproofing & conditioning products, then continue to live my life.
Noticed another scratch on mulberry I was using yesterday--world kept turning.

No, I would not apply stickers--frog stickers on a chanel bag would look idiotic, imo.
I have some issue even choosing bag charms, though others do this very beautifully.

I like quirky & rumpled. But not fake aging techniques.
I like the look of quality goods developing natural wrinkles/scars, through experiences over time.
Bags, as people, are most beautiful when this way--but, doesn't happen instantly or without both laughter & tears.

Just my thoughts. :)
 
#3
remainsilly said:
No.
I use bags, rather than store them on wardrobe shelves as leather demigods.
I treat them with waterproofing & conditioning products, then continue to live my life.
Noticed another scratch on mulberry I was using yesterday--world kept turning.

No, I would not apply stickers--frog stickers on a chanel bag would look idiotic, imo.
I have some issue even choosing bag charms, though others do this very beautifully.

I like quirky & rumpled. But not fake aging techniques.
I like the look of quality goods developing natural wrinkles/scars, through experiences over time.
Bags, as people, are most beautiful when this way--but, doesn't happen instantly or without both laughter & tears.

Just my thoughts. :)
Click to expand...

Love your philosophy! :smile1:
The sticker reference came from having looked at the Anya Hindmarch website where it seems all the rage to customise your bags with leather stickers!! I'm way too fickle for that, what I might like today I may think looks stupid in a few weeks/ months. That's why i'd never get a tattoo!
 
#4
flyvetjo said:
Love your philosophy! :smile1:
The sticker reference came from having looked at the Anya Hindmarch website where it seems all the rage to customise your bags with leather stickers!! I'm way too fickle for that, what I might like today I may think looks stupid in a few weeks/ months. That's why i'd never get a tattoo!
Click to expand...

Thanks. :) Your tattoo philosophy seems very wise, imo.

Had no knowledge of these leather stickers. Found photo from AH site:
http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aali_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-anya_uk-Site/Sites/en_GB/dw61c945a1/2015/5%20-%20May/Stickers_1-Mobile.jpg

Agree--would get tiring & leave sticky gunk on bag, perhaps.
 
#5
I use my bags - usually staring the first day I get them.
I don't mind some light scratches on the leather and HW but it bothers me if I see spots or stains on the leather. No bag charms for me. I know a lot of people with more expensive bags than mine like them but I think it cheapens the look. Definitely no stickers.

I bought a soft leather (deerskin) Prada wallet a few years ago. I had never thought I'd spend that much for a wallet so I told myself I'd use it forever. Because I chose the soft leather rather than saffiano, it's showing wear. But I'm still using it.
 
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#6
I love the look of an age-weathered, well loved leather bag, so when I buy a leather bag, I look for designs that I think will age well and show their usage with style, or I buy them already used. I don't go for distressed or otherwise artificially aged bags. I'm not into stickers or charms either- I think that whimsical gimmicks should be equally whimsically priced, which they typically are not, and I know I would just get sick of them quickly anyway, like most trends.

I also enjoy nicely detailed workhorse nylon bags, like those by MZ Wallace, but those tend to stay new looking for years, without any special effort on my part (though I do take care of my stuff, of course). So, while I do love a characterful, relaxed, well-aged bag, the bags I use most in my work and academic life look decidedly unrelaxed and pristine. Maybe I should change that up a bit. Dunno.
 
#8
It depends on the bag. If it's a bag that has a structured shape (Givenchy Antigona, Celine luggage etc) I like them to keep the shape despite using it. For slouchy bags like Givenchy Nightingale and Balenciaga, I like them broken in and soft looking.
 
#10
I love using my bags. In fact, I use them immediately after buying them. There's no point in leaving it on the shelf and not using it, after having spent a lot of money on it. I don't really baby my bags either. I like to use mine for months at a time before switching bags so I can get my moneys worth. I don't mind light scratches and wear and tear; I feel it gives the bags more history.

Charms are fine. Some are really cute but unnecessary. I like to leave my bags the way they're supposed to look. With that being said, I find it weird when others attach extra straps or switch out their straps with other bags (but the same brand). It cheapens the look of the bag, IMO.
 
#12
I'm not hard on my purses, so my bags age nicely. I love the age leather look when the bag is taken care of, which makes the bag look vintage. Keeping a bag pristine with years of use seems not practical, so it's not a goal of mines. First scratch is painful but unavoidable. I always examine my new bags to see where wear and tear would most likely happen and avoid doing things that age the purse before its time. A structure bag losing its shape does bother me, though. Most of my bags are soft leather. I like charms but hate the price, so I don't own any. Stickers on my purse are a no-no. It does not mesh well with my style.
 
#14
I have been agreeing with every post ha ha

I keep my bags forever so this a question I always ask myself before I buy
Will this bag's shape/colour/leather/material age well? Is it a bag for 'chucking around' or is it for special or the odd occasion?

It depends on the bag. I like some of my bags to stay looking fairly pristine, structured python for example but I don't mind at all if my smooshy leather hobos look well loved.

I don't think exotics (apart from ostrich) work particularly well 'shabby chic'. The same goes for 'sharp' clutches or material bags

Stickers :nogood: not for me. I like the idea of someone choosing or making their own stickers but the AH prescribed hobby-craft thing is neither one thing nor another.

I have painted bags (I was younger than I am now :D ) I used to customise things all the time. I would also alter a bag to suit me by shortening a strap etc.
 
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